Yarn-bombers knit jumper for aeroplane

A group of Yukon yarn-bombers have undertaken one of their biggest challenges yet, covering an aeroplane.

After months of planning and knitting Yarn Bomb Yukon picked this weekend to strike, covering a 70-year-old DC-3 aeroplane that rests outside the Yukon Transportation museum.

Originally conceived by the museum's executive director Casey Mclaughlin, the project was a collaboration between the Yarn Bomb Yukon Collective, the Yukon Transportation Museum and the Yukon Arts Centre Public Art Gallery.

McMaster fine arts graduate Jessica Vellenga told CBC Hamilton that the project was a hit with guerrilla knitters of all ages.

"We had knitters from across North America sending in granny squares," she said, before explaining how she got into yarn bombing.

"I'd been aware of the movement for a long time. I started doing it up here to brighten up the winters. This is definitely the biggest thing I've ever done, but I am open to offers. If I can do a plane, I can do your house," Ms Vellenga added.

Using only acrylic wool so that it would not stain or harm the aircraft even if it rains, the yarn will stay on the plane until August 21st for viewers and museum visitors to enjoy.

The unusual form-fitting tea cosy spans close to 2,500 square feet and took five hours, numerous volunteers and a cherry picker to drape over the plane.

Over 200 people even came out to help cheer on the project and watch the curious cover take shape in all its knitted glory.

The supplies were donated by kind local businesses and knitting groups and after spending ten days wrapped around the aircraft they will be given to charities nearby.

Yarn-bombing is usually more of a secretive affair, with anonymous guerrilla knitters hanging their wool in the dead of night in public places, however this project showed that it can be a community-wide, accessible activity.